Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers 29 CFR 1910.157

Session Objectives • You will be able to: • Identify different classes of fire • Choose the appropriate type of extinguisher • Use a fire extinguisher • Inspect and maintain extinguishers

Fire Tetrahedron • Oxygen • Fuel • Heat • Uninhibitedchain reaction

Class A • Ordinary combustibles: • Wood • Paper • Plastic • Garbage

Class B • Flammable liquids: • Grease • Gasoline • Oil • Solvents

Class C • Energized electrical equipment: • Appliances • Switches • Panel boxes • Power tools

Class D • Combustible metals: • Magnesium • Titanium • Potassium and sodium • Pyrophoric materials

Class K • Kitchen fires: • Added in 1998 • Grandfathered if installed before 1998

Classes of Fires—Any Questions? • Any questions about the fire triangle or the different classes of fires?

Extinguishing the Fire • Remove heat • Remove oxygen • Remove the fuel

Water Extinguishers • Rated only for Class A fires • Spread a grease fire • Cause an electrical shock on a Class C fire • Increase a metal fire

Dry Chemical Extinguishers • Best all-around choice • Help prevent reignition • Make a mess • Class BC contains sodium bicarbonate • Class ABC contains ammonium phosphate

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers • Class BC-rated • Not effective on Class A fires • Should not be used on Class D—metal fires • Do not leave a residue • Are a good choice for computers or electronics • Must be used 3 to 8 feet from the fire

Metal/Sand Extinguishers • Class D-rated • Powdered copper • Sodium chloride • Form an airtight crust over the fire

Halon Extinguishers • Gas interrupts fire’s chemical reaction • Are Class BC-rated • Protect valuable electrical equipment • Have a range of only 4 to 6 feet • Halon production is now banned

Halotron I Extinguishers • Replace Halon 1211 • Discharge as a liquid • Leave no residue • Are nonconducting • Are ideal for computers and electronics • Are Class BC-rated

FE-36TMExtinguishers • Halon 1211 replacement • Less toxic • No ozone depletion • Class BC-rated

Water Mist Extinguishers • Class AC-rated • Safety from electrical shock • Less scattering of burning materials • Hospital environments and clean rooms

Types of Extinguishers— Any Questions? • Any questions about the different types of fire extinguishers?

Fight-or-Flight Decision • Alarm has been pulled • Fire department has been called • Fire is small and contained • You can avoid the smoke • Exit is clear • Extinguisher is nearby • You have been trained to use the extinguisher

PASS • Pull • Aim • Squeeze • Sweep

Inspect Extinguishers • Monthly inspection • Extinguisher not blocked • Pressure is acceptable • Pin and seal are intact • No dents or damage

Care and Maintenance • Keep extinguisher clean • Replace if damaged • Recharge immediately after use • Have hydrostatic testing done • Remove nonrechargeables after 12 years

Locations and Signs • Readily accessible • 75 feet—Class A • 50 feet—Class B • 50–75 feet—Class C • 75 feet—Class D • Highly visible sign

Types of Extinguishers— Any Questions? • Any questions about using, inspecting, and maintaining fire extinguishers?

Key Points to Remember • Fire tetrahedron • Fire hazard class • Know your extinguishers • Fight or flight • PASS

Fire Extinguishers